UVM Rescue

Training Program

Training Program

Working as volunteer college students
in a world dominated by full-time professionals, UVM Rescue holds
itself accountable to the same stringent training standards.

There are four positions on the truck; Crew Chief, Driver, Third, and Fourth.
In order complete the Fourths and Third Checklists, a probationary
member must train on each item on the checklists with someone who has
already attained Third status. At least 24 hours later, the probationary member may attempt to check off with a Thirds Trainer. Thirds Trainers are experienced thirds who have been advanced to the
positon because of consistent demonstration of competence on the road
and in training.

Fourth

This
is the first position on Rescue. A probationary member has twelve days
from the start this checklist to complete it. In those twelve days, it
is expected that the probationary member train while on duty. Fourths
in training should expect to frequent quarters during this twelve-day
period in order to train and check off. Upon completion of the Fourths
Checklist, one becomes a fourth and is therefore able to go on calls
with the crew.

Third

This is the second position a probationary member will have on Rescue.
Fourths have an allotted three months to finish the Thirds Checklist.
It is divided into two sections; the first covers the psychomotor
aspects of being an EMT; using the equipment on the ambulance. The
second section relies more on the cognitive sense of being an EMT.
During this section, it is expected that the fourth learn various facts
concerning medical emergencies, trauma emergencies, and other relevant
facts. While completing the thirds checklist does not grant you any
certifications, the completion of this in combination with the fourths
checklist is often described as an unofficial EMT class. Many members
of UVM Rescue work on their thirds checklist concurrently with the
EMT class, so they find the training to be an incredible asset in
class.

Driver

The driver is responsible for crew safety while on the road. Since the
ambulance is far beyond the typical car, it is a skill that requires
constant practice. It is absolutely imperative that a driver feel
comfortable driving the ambulance when the time comes. There are
generally three crew members plus a patient and potentially a family
member of the patient. It is of utmost importance that the driver
operate the ambulance with extraordinary skill to keep everyone safe.

On the way to and from a call the driver will normally use lights and
sirens, which is known as Code 3 driving. This is the most dangerous
type of driving. While you do have your lights and sirens to warn other
drivers that you are coming, it is not uncommon to perform dangerous
maneuvers in order to reach the patient or hospital. Drivers are well
trained to adapt to safely driving Code 3, however, any crash that
occurs while driving Code 3 is automatically the ambulance driver
fault until proven otherwise.

Drivers must always know
the fastest, safest, and most efficient route for call locations. In
total all of these things may seem a little intimidating, however,
Rescue has an extensive training program that every driver must
complete. This includes a blindfolded knowledge of the cab, a set of
maneuvers to help get acquainted with the dimensions of the truck, and
a series of rides that test both the driver’s ability to drive the
truck and knowledge of the area. The tests ensure knowledge of the set
of streets in more than five towns. Throughout the district, UVM
Rescue’s driver training program has a reputation for being the most
extensive.

Crew Chief

Just like the driver, the Crew Chief is responsible for the crew at all
times. This includes supervising the crew in and out of quarters,
deciding what and how patient care should be handled, and maintaining
crew safety at all times. The care of the patient is the responsibility
of the crew chief. Crew chiefs are usually the most experienced member
of the crew; they train extraordinarily hard and should have the most
medical knowledge and experience of any crew member. Except in very
extenuating circumstances, every Crew Chief is at least an AEMT, which
means that they have taken both the EMT and AEMT classes. To become
a Crew Chief In Training (CCIT), a third has to demonstrate that they
are developing the medical background necessary to become a Crew Chief,
as well as show that they are confident, responsible, have strong
leadership skills, and understand the huge responsibility of Crew
Chiefing. Aside from the personal and professional attributes one must
demonstrate, a third needs to be an on-the-road CCIT for long enough to
demonstrate making appropriate medical decisions and by providing the
highest level of care to the patients. First, a checklist ensures the
background knowledge necessary to be a Crew Chief. After surpassing a
certain point on the checklist, the CCIT begins to lead calls with a
Crew Chief Trainer. Every so often, the crew chief trainers and
training officer meet to discuss the training status of all of every
member. They determine which medics/drivers should be promoted to crew
chief status, as well as discussing how far each CCIT is in their
training. Although the training officer officially promotes a CCIT to
Crew Chief, the collective opinion of the crew chief trainers is
critical.